Our History

However, the July 7 Incident erupted, and anti-Japanese forces rose in China. The government dispatched Mr. Liu Weizhi to America to comfort overseas Chinese and organize the Ontario Anti-Japanese National Salvation Association to unite overseas Chinese and strengthen the nation. Regarding the location of the meeting, our association, driven by our deep loyalty and love for our country, felt obliged to generously lend an entire floor of our office for the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Association's headquarters. For four years, all expenses, including water, electricity, kerosene, and other utilities, were covered by the association, without taking a penny. This spirit of righteousness is a source of comfort and pride for Longgang. By then, the association's human and financial resources had become robust and stable, so it initiated the purchase of additional property to generate income. This resulted in the acquisition of two-story buildings at 92 and 94 Elizabeth Street. Mr. Zhang Xiliu provided any remaining funds. To facilitate its success, the main shop became a store, and the second floor was rented to Tianyuan for a restaurant. From then on, the company's finances began to improve. Within a few years, they purchased a burned-out building at 105 Elizabeth Street and rebuilt it at a cost of over $270,000. The building now boasts three floors, with the first and second floors rented to Lianyuan for a restaurant. The association then moved from No. 24 to 1053. Over a decade later, with the number of members growing, the third floor proved insufficient. So, the second floor of Lianyuan Restaurant was reclaimed and renovated, becoming a venue for the Sanyi Club, the Youth Department, the Women's Department, and a book and newspaper reading area. The building is truly magnificent, with a completely new look. Annual celebrations, the birthdays of the four ancestors, picnics, and outings are all well-organized. The association sends representatives and delegations to every family reunion in Longgang or America, and the association's activities flourish and grow. The Toronto City Council recently designated Elizabeth Street as a designated area for the construction of a new City Hall, forcing the sale of the two-story building at 9294 Elizabeth Street. The building at 105 Elizabeth Street was also included in the acquisition. To prepare for the relocation of the synagogue, they hastily acquired the future synagogue at 206 McGulle Street, initially relocating the youth and women's ministries there. They also hosted various activities there, including Chinese literacy classes, Tai Chi classes, and Chinese traditional music classes. While the synagogue enjoyed a period of prosperity, its success was short-lived. Within two years, it had fallen into disuse. Not only was the synagogue generating no income, but it also required annual maintenance costs exceeding $1,000. This continued existence was deemed unwise. Furthermore, 105 Elizabeth Street had not yet been acquired. After much deliberation, it was finally sold. The office then purchased two buildings at the Apts on Bowen Street to generate income. The Apts were actually quite profitable, but due to years of disrepair and the difficulty in hiring someone to repair them, the city government repeatedly urged repairs, making the cost prohibitive. Prior to this, the office also acquired a three-story building at 401 Spinner Street.